Measurement Best Practices

Our Measurement Best Practices

The most important thing you can do to choose the correct size is to take accurate measurements. If your base is too small or too large, no matter what you do adjustment wise, your garment is always going to be a bit off. Below are our best practices for the most important measurements you'll need for most garments.

The Basics: Bust, Waist & Hip Circumference

Bust Circumference
Measure around your body at the fullest point of your bust and around your shoulder blades at the back. Be sure to wear a similar type of bra to what you'll be wearing with the final garment as this can affect the fit significantly. This measurement should be taken parallel to the floor.

Waist Circumference
Measure around the smallest part of your true waist. If you're unsure of where this is, lean to the side. The point where your waist bends is your true waist. A lot of people automatically suck in their waist while having this measurement taken without even thinking about it, so make sure you stand as naturally as possible. This measurement should be taken parallel to the floor.

Hip Circumference
This will be the fullest part of your hip, no matter where that falls. On some people it’s the standard 7-8” (approx. 17.75cm) down from the waist, but it can also fall above or below depending on the shape of your body. Again, make sure the tape measure is taught, but not tight! This measurement should be taken parallel to the floor.

Determining Cup Size: Upper & Full Bust

Upper Bust
This is a common measurement that, if you’ve ever needed to do a small or full bust adjustment, I’m sure you’re familiar with. To measure your upper bust you want to measure just above your bust tissue at the front, and around the same point as the full bust at the back. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor at the front and back but will cross the underarm diagonally.

Calculating Sewing Cup Size
Once you have your upper bust measurement you're going to subtract it from your full bust measurement. This number will indicate your sewing cup size.

A-Cup – 1” (2.54 cm)
B-Cup – 2” (5.08 cm)
C-Cup – 3” (7.62 cm)
D-Cup – 4” (10.16 cm)

Additional Measurements

Body Length & HPS
We measure the body length of all of our patterns from the high point of shoulder down to the hem of the garment. The HPS falls at the intersection of your neck and shoulder, and is typically in line with your bust point.
Sleeve Length
Starting at the shoulder tip (usually even with your acromion), measure down the back of your arm to the point where you'd like your particular sleeve to hit. Make sure you keep your arm loose and slightly bent for the most accurate measurement.
Bicep Circumference
The bicep will be measured at the fullest point of your bicep, no matter where it falls. Our measurements are taken 2" below the lowest point of the armscye, which is the widest point of our fit model's arm.